From Hanoi: Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Day Trip With Boat Ride

This day trip from Hanoi offers visitors a chance to explore the historical and natural wonders of Ninh Binh province. Guests will journey to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where they can enjoy the region’s rich past. The highlight, however, is the boat ride along the Tam Coc River, where limestone cliffs and scenic caves await. With an expert guide leading the way and opportunities to cycle through charming villages, this excursion promises to be a memorable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the diverse attractions that make Ninh Binh a must-visit destination.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Hanoi to Ninh Binh province, exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the scenic Tam Coc River with a boat ride.
• Includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch, cycling around the village, and a visit to the Thai Vi temple amidst stunning natural landscapes.
• Pickup and drop-off from Hanoi hotels, with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and a bottle of water included in the package.
• Not suitable for individuals with limited mobility or those above a certain age and weight limit.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a full-day excursion from Hanoi to the scenic Ninh Binh province, priced from K₫1,126 per person.

The 11-hour duration includes pickup and drop-off at Hanoi hotels, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, a boat ride on the Tam Coc River, and cycling around the village.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those over 287 lbs, or people over 95 years old.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a journey to Ninh Binh Province, located approximately 100 km from Hanoi.

Once there, visitors explore the Hoa Lu ancient capital, learning about the history and architecture of the 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le.

The next highlight is a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a 1.5-hour boat ride on the Tam Coc River, where participants can:

1. Explore three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.
2. Cycle around the village and visit the Thai Vi temple.
3. Immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Included Features

As part of the Hoa Lu and Tam Coc day trip, travelers can expect a comprehensive package that includes several key features.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off at Hanoi hotels, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the journey.

Lunch at a local restaurant offers a taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, while the boat ride on the Tam Coc River allows visitors to explore three scenic caves.

Cycling around the village and visiting the Thai Vi temple add a unique cultural experience.

The tour also includes an English-speaking guide, a bottle of water, and all necessary entrance fees, making it a well-rounded and inclusive day trip.

Important Information

Although not suitable for those with limited mobility or of advanced age, the Hoa Lu and Tam Coc day trip caters to a wide range of travelers.

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

1. The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or individuals over 287 lbs (130 kg).
2. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
3. While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour includes a live guide, an audio guide, and covers entrance fees, lunch, and transportation.

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Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

This day trip from Hanoi to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc spans approximately 11 hours.

Travelers can conveniently cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in their plans.

The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing participants to secure their spot without any upfront payment.

With pickup from Hanoi hotels, the experience is seamless, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable excursion.

Whether travelers are seeking to explore the ancient capital, enjoy a serene boat ride, or cycle through the picturesque countryside, this comprehensive day trip is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Pickup Location and Transportation

The tour conveniently provides pickup from travelers’ hotels in Hanoi, ensuring a seamless start to the day excursion.

The transportation is via an air-conditioned bus, which allows for a comfortable journey to the Ninh Binh province, approximately 100 km from the capital. The journey to the historic sites takes around 2 hours, allowing ample time to admire the stunning landscapes along the way.

The tour includes the following transportation features:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi
2. Air-conditioned bus for the entire day trip
3. Efficient transportation to and from the key attractions in Ninh Binh

Dining and Cuisine

A highlight of the Hoa Lu and Tam Coc day trip is the traditional Vietnamese lunch provided at a local restaurant.

The meal features an array of authentic dishes, allowing visitors to enjoy the regional culinary traditions. Expect to savor steaming bowls of pho, fragrant rice dishes, and fresh spring rolls, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

The leisurely two-hour lunch break provides a welcomed respite from the morning’s sightseeing, offering ample time to refuel and recharge before continuing the adventure.

The knowledgeable guide is on hand to offer insight into the cultural significance of the cuisine, further enriching the dining experience.

Additional Details

Beyond the culinary delights, the Hoa Lu and Tam Coc day trip offers several additional features that enhance the overall experience.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off service from Hanoi hotels, ensuring a seamless start and end to the journey.

Plus, the excursion provides an English-speaking guide to offer insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the sites visited.

Finally, the package includes entrance fees and a complimentary bottle of water, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the stunning natural landscapes and architectural wonders of the region.

1. Pickup and drop-off service from Hanoi hotels
2. English-speaking guide to provide historical and cultural context
3. Entrance fees and a complimentary bottle of water included

Frequently Asked Questions

Will There Be Any Stops for Shopping Along the Way?

The itinerary doesn’t mention any scheduled shopping stops along the way. However, there may be opportunities to browse local shops or markets during the free time between activities, though these aren’t included as part of the official tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant and provides a bottle of water on the bus. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Travelers can book individually and join a group. The tour operates even with just one participant.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. There aren’t any age restrictions, and the itinerary includes activities like boat rides and cycling that can be enjoyed by all ages. However, parents should ensure their children are able to handle the moderate physical activity.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour can’t be fully customized, but guests can discuss preferences with the tour operator. Some flexibility may be available, such as dietary requirements or activity levels, though the core itinerary remains set.

Recap

The "From Hanoi: Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Day Trip With Boat Ride" offers a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s rich history and natural beauty. Travelers can expect to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour boat ride on the Tam Coc River, all while guided by an English-speaking expert, creating a memorable experience in Ninh Binh province.

You can check if your dates are available here: